Regulation of the tobacco industry is long overdue. For decades the tobacco companies have been exempt from the standards of responsibility and accountability that apply to all other American corporations. But is the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control act the right legislation to get this done?? We are concerned that Philip Morris USA is the co-author of this bill (Mike Szymanczyk, now CEO of the new Atria, Inc. has told investors (3/11/2008) they are engaged in the process of writing the bill). These people are not to be trusted. They tell people they are a socially responsible company but then go out and buy cigar maker John Middleton, Inc. famous for Black & Mild cigars very popular amongst young African Americans.

We can't have this law preempt any tobacco control measures that have already been implemented in various states unless it enhances control. The tobacco regulatory body should be under the FDA's umbrella but a separate entity not deriving funding or human resources from the existing parent agency. (TobaccoWatch.org)